INTRODUCTION

People Rejoice as Jesus Enters Jerusalem

Bible Point:

Jesus is our king.

Key Verse:

“Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:11).

Big Picture:

Children will learn that Jesus is our friend and king. 

People Rejoice as Jesus Enters Jerusalem

Mark 11:1-11

Young children naturally look up to important people in their lives, parents, grandparents, and even important people they don’t know like celebrities or superheroes. They are also forming opinions about which people might be good, and which ones might bring trouble. Use this lesson to help your preschoolers know that Jesus is our faithful friend, and also a royal king.

BIBLE TIME!

As you read the Bible (Mark 11:1-11) with your child this week, talk about what makes Jesus such a great king. Ask what your child remembers after you read it. During the week, point out ways to respond to the Lord Jesus. For example, you can praise Jesus, the king, with your words, your prayers, your actions, and your songs this week.

KEY VERSE

 “Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:11).

PLAY AND PRAY

Prepare to celebrate Easter by creating an Easter centerpiece. You’ll need plastic eggs and small items to represent aspects of Jesus’ character and life. Have your child help you think of and look for the small items, and then have your child put one in each of the Easter eggs. For example, a coin might be put in an egg to represent the fact that Jesus owns everything, and a toy sheep in an egg could represent Jesus as our shepherd. A candy heart could represent Jesus’ love for us. Have your child put an item in each of the eggs and place the eggs in a basket with Easter grass. Use the basket as an Easter dinner centerpiece so you can invite each person at the table to take an egg and open it. Have your family and dinner guests explain why the item in the egg might remind them of something about Jesus.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Contact your local chamber of commerce to find out where and when the local Easter parades will take place. Go early to one so you and your child have a good view. After the parade, talk about what the parade for Jesus might have been like. If a parade isn’t convenient, create a parade at home with your family and friends. March around the house, through the yard, or along the sidewalk or driveway. Or take your child on a pony ride or horseback ride. This will be a fun way for your child to experience what it might have been like when Jesus was riding on the donkey.

READY, SET, GROW! 

This week, your child learned that Jesus is our king. He or she committed to one of the following challenges to remember that Jesus is our king. Help your child weave faith into life this week and follow through on the challenge!

•Make a crown for Jesus and keep it in your room as a reminder that JESUS IS OUR KING.

•Sing a song to worship Jesus, your king.